Festival bonanza
Sreedhar Pillai
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The film industry pulls out all stops to draw the audience during the festival season.
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GREAT EXPECTATIONS: It is that time of the year when people throng the cinema theatres.
From time immemorial, Onam has been the major festival for Malayalam films. Almost all top heroes of the early days used to get nostalgic when they wrote about their Onam releases in their biographies for film magazines.
Even today an Onam release, for any hero, is a prestigious project. It is normally the only time of the year when films of superstars clash with each other, as they are released simultaneously. But today the scenario has changed as all major stars have an understanding to ensure that their films are not released on the same day as the audience gets divided and they lose out on the all-important opening weekend collections that matter the most.
2005 Onam season started early with Dileep's `Chanthupottu' released on August 26. Mohanlal's `Naran' was released on September 3 and Mammootty's `Nerariyan CBI' was released on September 8. Kalabhavan Mani's `Lokanathan IPS' was released on Thiruvonam day (September 15).
This release pattern ensures that the films do not clash with each other and also gives a chance for ardent fans to catch up with an Onam release every week.
Strategic planning
Till a few years back all films used to be released on the same weekend but with the advent of satellite channels the rules of business have changed.
According to leading producer-distributor Swargachitra Appachan: "Many years back, Onam releases used to get bumper collections, but now films face stiff competition from more than 10 channels dishing out entertainment-based special programmes for Onam."
Still an Onam release has its own charm. And the film industry had a varied spread for cine buffs this year. From Dileep's laugh-a-minute `Chantupottu' to Mammotty's investigative story, `Nerariyan CBI,' it covers a wide range of themes and storylines.
Dileep and his favourite director, Lal Jose, are together again. Dileep plays a transvestite and it is a bold move by the actor who loves to experiment in new kind of roles something which no superstar would dare to do.
Says Dileep: "To do a full length role of a woman is not easy as it is hard to maintain the same facial expressions and body language.
Dileep and Gopika come together for the first time in `Chanthupottu.' The audience seems to have accepted this comedy film as it has taken a gross of Rs. 1.95 crores from 49 screens in its first week and is said to be a hit. Says Suresh Shenoy an exhibitor: "It is Dileep's performance and the innovative theme that is bringing in the crowds. Another plus point is that the film has worked with the women and family audience."
Another Onam release, `Naran,' has Mohanlal's playing Mullamkolli Velayudhan, a tough and rough character. This film, produced by Antony Perumbavoor and directed by Joshi, is set in a remote village and is a typical mass action entertainer. Devayani and Bhavana are the heroines in the film and music is by Deepak Dev.
Says Joshi, "It will be a treat for Mohanlal fans. He is simply amazing in action scenes and the `kavadi' song is already a chartbuster."
`Naran' seems to have worked with the masses as the introductory scene of Mohanlal, punch-line dialogues, emotional scenes in the second half and the characterisation have been skilfully worked out.
Alex George of Central Pictures, distributor of the film, says, "In spite of the heavy rain, `Naran' has taken one of the best ever openings, as in most centres it is running full in two screens. Now the question being asked is whether `Naran' can turn out to be a bigger hit than `Narasimham?'
Fourth time lucky?
On the other hand, `Nerariyan CBI' is hoping to better the success of `Oru CBI Diary Kurippu.' Mammootty is back for the fourth time as Sethurama Iyer, portraying a CBI officer who never fails. The film, produced and directed by K. Madhu, is ably supported by the same team comprising writer S.N. Swamy, music composer Shyam, and Mukesh and Jagathy who make up the three investigators.
Says Swargachitra Appachan who is distributing the film: "I am sure that `Nerariyan CBI' will emerge the winner as it is an investigation story and the suspense is maintained till the end." Jayaram's `Sarkar Dada,' which has been languishing in the boxes for months, is likely to be released during this festival season. This film is a comedy caper written by Mani Shornur and directed by Sasi Sankar. Another film that was released on the day of Thiruvonam was Kalabhavan Mani's `Lokanathan IAS.' Mani plays an autorickshaw driver who becomes an IAS officer. M. Mani of `Aroma Movies' produces `Lokanathan IAS,' which is directed by Anil. Kalabhavan Mani says, "During the Onam season, fans expect all entertainment and I am sure that that `Lokanathan IAS' will not disappoint them."
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